A MAŁOPOLSKA THING – GROUNDS FOR CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The exhibition open for almost two weeks (5th – 16th September) entitled: A Małopolska Thing – Grounds for Cultural Experience, held in Parc du Cinquantenaire, is an inspirational play with design, ethnography and folk handicraft from the Małopolska region. The title Małopolska things, interactive XL urban toys for both children and adults, are the result of designers’ and craftsmen’s effort. They have been created by processing traditional decorative motifs and craft products characteristic of the Małopolska region. They are an expression of respect for the former painting, cutting, weaving and wood carving techniques.
The designers were inspired by parts of the collection of the Ethnographic Museum in Kraków. The things, artistically processed, rescaled and modernised, show how attractive the urban space can be if we carefully introduce ethnographically inspired design into it. And how attractive regional, expressive and appealing culture can be to us, the people of the 21st c.
This can be experienced at the Małopolska Thing exhibition in the best possible manner – by interaction, playing and activities. The menagerie merry-go-round is particularly worth recommending. Inspired by folk toys from the Małopolska region and figurines from Warsztaty Krakowskie (Kraków Workshops – an association operating in the years 1913 – 1926, using methods associated with folk art), it was created out of yearning for amusement and eternal fascination with movement. Lovers of heights must not miss the swings inspired by miniature swings sold at church fairs, decorated with motifs inspired by ornaments on the Warsztaty Krakowskie toys. Those sensitive to the beauty of nature will surely be impressed by the decorative floral motifs on chests/benches as well as by the fairy tale ethnographic botanical garden, made of imaginary plants, created from transformed floral ornaments seen on dowry chests from the Gorce area.
photo: M. Wąsik, A. Majewski
